From tennis legend to Homeboy Industries founder: Cal State LA Commencement 2026 to honor four transformative leaders

Tennis icon and equality champion Billie Jean King will complete her college degree at age 82 as Cal State LA honors three influential leaders during its 2026 Commencement, which will be held May 18-20 at the Shrine Auditorium.

In addition to King's milestone, nearly 6,000 graduates will be celebrated across nine ceremonies, alongside honorary recognitions for Father Gregory Boyle, attorney and civic leader Omel A. Nieves, and civil rights advocate Capri Maddox.

"This year's honorees tell the story of Cal State LA's mission in action-from civic engagement championed by Nieves to educational access advanced by Father Boyle, to social justice leadership across the region represented by Maddox," said President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. "They also include Billie Jean King, whose return to complete her degree reflects her lifelong commitment to learning."

After more than five decades, King will receive her Bachelor of Arts in History during the 5 p.m. ceremony on Monday, May 18. She began her studies at Cal State LA in 1961 but left before finishing her degree to pursue a groundbreaking career that transformed professional sports and expanded opportunities for women.

While a student at Cal State LA, King won her first Wimbledon women's doubles title, setting the stage for a legendary career that would include 39 Grand Slam titles, a world No. 1 ranking, and her historic 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs in the famed "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition.

King has also been a powerful voice in support of Title IX, having testified before Congress in 1972 to advocate for equal opportunities for women in education and sports. Additionally, she has contributed millions of dollars in scholarships for student-athletes at Cal State LA, expanding access to academic and athletic opportunities.

During two ceremonies, Cal State LA and the Board of Trustees of the California State University system will award honorary doctorates to Father Boyle and Nieves.

Father Boyle, founder and director of Homeboy Industries-the world's largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program based in Los Angeles-will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the 9 a.m. ceremony on Monday, May 18, in recognition of his decades of service to communities across the city and state.

This honor also recognizes Fr. Boyle's partnership with Cal State LA and his shared commitment to expanding second chances through the Prison Graduation Initiative, advancing education, healing, and opportunity. He has received the California Peace Prize and was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In 2014, President Barack Obama named him a "Champion of Change."

Nieves, a senior shareholder with the Pasadena-based law firm Hunt, Ortmann, Nieves, Darling, Mah, Klein & Lozano, Inc., will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the 1 p.m. ceremony on Wednesday, May 20.

A top-rated attorney in California, Nieves has advanced educational and professional opportunities in Los Angeles through his work in law, business, and community leadership. He is being recognized for more than 35 years of leadership in the legal profession, his deep commitment to student success, and his enduring impact on communities across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. He also serves as board president of the Cal State LA Foundation.

A recipient of this year's Presidential Award, Maddox-executive director of the Los Angeles Civil and Human Rights and Equity Department and a double alumna of Cal State LA-will be honored during the 5 p.m. ceremony on Wednesday, May 20.

Through her leadership advancing civil rights and equity across Los Angeles, Maddox embodies the university's mission of civic engagement and public good. She was instrumental in launching groundbreaking initiatives, including the award-winning LA For All campaign-an anti-hate public service announcement program available in 21 languages that has reached 10,000 locations across the city.

The ceremonies mark Cal State LA's return to the Shrine Auditorium for a second consecutive year, continuing a growing tradition of hosting Commencement at one of the city's most iconic venues. During each ceremony, graduates will have their names called and be recognized in front of their loved ones.

"Commencement is a special time not only for students but for faculty, staff, and everyone in the Cal State LA family," said President Eanes. "It is the culmination of our students' hard work and dedication to gaining knowledge that will take them and their communities to greater heights. It is also a testament to their families, whose sacrifices allowed our students to flourish at Cal State LA. Commencement is our shared achievement."

The festivities will also be livestreamed on the Cal State LA website and YouTube channel, beginning with the first ceremony at 9 a.m. on May 18.

For general information, please visit the Commencement website.

California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 260,000 distinguished alumni.